Learn to Love This City–Indoors and Out–With Your Favorite Companion

In Seattle, the options of how to fill a wide-open day (or weekend) sometimes feel endless–in the best way possible. Thanks to the Emerald City's stunning natural beauty, outdoor possibilities abound. And then, of course, residents and visitors also delight in exploring an abundance of indoor spaces that educate and entertain (think theatres, galleries, museums and so much more). Exploring this city with your significant other? All the better.

Romance can be found in the city's countless parks, beaches and urban green spaces, as well as at nearby hotels and spas that feature mountains, waterfalls and other natural wonders. When the weather behaves, these destinations can be perfect spots for sharing a sunrise or sunset with your special someone. Even a ferry ride across the choppy waters to Bainbridge Island can prove a romantic adventure. Sometimes, after all, the journey really is the best part of the day.

Indoor spaces–ranging from art galleries to iconic sightseeing attractions like the Space Needle–can also be romantic spots at which to pass some delightful hours. Seattle's arts scene thrives most every night of the week, and an evening at the cinema, theater or one of many music venues around the city can be the ideal way to enjoy a night on the town.

Located in downtown Seattle's historic Mann Building, this intimate and sophisticated award-winning music and dinner theater occupies the renovated space that formerly housed the Embassy Theater, originally a 1920' vaudeville house. At Triple Door, the enticing main stage, located downstairs on the lower level, is an intimate candlelit spot with state-of-the-art sound and booths that offer clear sight lines to the stage. Servers deliver food and drinks from the Asian-fusion menu, provided by Wild Ginger restaurant next door. (The same cuisine can be found upstairs in the Musicquarium Lounge, where other draws include live music, DJ sets and a legendary happy hour.)

Located in downtown Seattle's historic Mann Building, this intimate and sophisticated award-winning music and dinner theater occupies the renovated space that formerly housed the Embassy Theater, originally a 1920' vaudeville house. At Triple... Read More

The Spa at Willows Lodge in Woodinville, a short drive from downtown Seattle, offers a variety of revitalizing experiences that soothes the body and soul. Pick from decadent treatments that range from ancient, healing Lomi Lomi massages and detoxifying body wraps that nourish and restore skin to hot stone pedicures. Or, try the Carita Facials (available in only a few spas throughout the country) that exfoliates, detoxifies and refines skin texture. Before the treatment, guests can indulge in a steam, or they can relax in the hydrotherapy pool "amidst the tranquil and beautiful surroundings of [the venue's] hidden courtyard adorned with Japanese maples, ferns and sedums."

The Spa at Willows Lodge in Woodinville, a short drive from downtown Seattle, offers a variety of revitalizing experiences that soothes the body and soul. Pick from decadent treatments that range from ancient, healing Lomi Lomi massages and... Read More

A scenic 30-minute drive from Seattle brings you to the charmingly rustic Salish Lodge & Spa, which offers Old-World ambience and modern elegance. Get out and enjoy nature near the lodge, whether hiking around the rushing cascades or trying activities like fly fishing and snoeshowing, depending on the season. Back at the cozy venue, dine on award-winning Northwest cuisine, while enjoying romantic views of Snoqualmie Falls. Brunch specialties include the Salish Buttermilk Pancakes, Smoked Washington Salmon Skillet and the iconic Salish Lodge Country Breakfast (that has been served for more than 100 years and features the iconic Honey from Heaven service) plus a wide selection of coffees and teas that round out your meal; lunchtime brings favorites like the Smoked Chicken Club. Dinnertime features the Pan-Seared Scallops, Elk Shank Osso Bucco and Washington Striploin, St. Helen's Angus, Washington, as well as comfort food favorites.

A scenic 30-minute drive from Seattle brings you to the charmingly rustic Salish Lodge & Spa, which offers Old-World ambience and modern elegance. Get out and enjoy nature near the lodge, whether hiking around the rushing cascades or trying... Read More

The 5th Avenue Theatre is known as one of the nation's leading musical theater companies, especially for its production and development of new works. Since 2002, the Seattle-based company has produced 17 new musicals. (To date, nine�including hit Disney's Aladdin� have moved on to Broadway premieres, earning a combined 15 Tony Awards, including two for Best Musical�Hairspray and Memphis. The 5th Avenue Theatre also known makes waves for its lauded productions of musicals from the contemporary canon and the Golden Age of Broadway. While the shows are sensational, the venue itself justifies a visit, too, thanks to a unique, Chinese-inspired design. (The exquisite theater opened in 1926 as a venue for vaudeville and film.)

The 5th Avenue Theatre is known as one of the nation's leading musical theater companies, especially for its production and development of new works. Since 2002, the Seattle-based company has produced 17 new musicals. (To date,... Read More

Ahoy matey! One of this city's best features? All of its beautiful bodies of water. So one of the best ways to experience this city? Well, come on abroad and see for yourself! Argosy Cruises offers this scenic Lake Washington tour that leaves from the public docks at Marina Park in Kirkland. The relaxing cruise highlights stunning scenery and includes interesting tidbits about the area's history and most famous residents. Snacks and beverages are available onboard, and free parking is available in Peter Kirk Municipal Library garage. Argosy offers a variety of wonderful cruises departing from downtown Seattle as well.

Ahoy matey! One of this city's best features? All of its beautiful bodies of water. So one of the best ways to experience this city? Well, come on abroad and see for yourself! Argosy Cruises offers this scenic Lake Washington tour that leaves... Read More

Dating to the late 19th century, this grand venue has been restored to the glory it knew as a movie theater in the 1920s, making it a perfect destination for a romantic outing. This month and next, "Hamilton" takes over (which sold out immediately). These days, you can catch acts as diverse as Boyz II Men and The Head and the Heart to Sturgill Simpson and The Beach Boys, and there's even the odd speaking engagement, too (think beloved figures from Dr. Maya Angelou to Hillary Clinton and Trevor Noah). Enjoy the sumptuous, gilt-edged surroundings as you take in a show. The ambience is decadent; for example, three million crystal beads adorn 218 chandeliers and light fixtures. If dancing is called for, the seating area quickly converts to a stunning hardwood ballroom floor. The "wow" factor here is definitely worth the trip!

Dating to the late 19th century, this grand venue has been restored to the glory it knew as a movie theater in the 1920s, making it a perfect destination for a romantic outing. This month and next, "Hamilton" takes over (which sold out... Read More

From Seattle's downtown waterfront, it takes only 35 minutes to arrive at Bainbridge Island. Along the way, you can enjoy all the wonderful sights that make Seattle such a unique city (the ferry ride itself is worth the journey!). The snowcapped Olympic Mountains, Seattle's skyline and the eastern view of Mount Rainier are all points of interest along the way. (It's also fun to watch all the car and bike commuters onboard.) Peak season is early May through mid-October. Once on Bainbridge Island, it's easy to walk to a quaint "downtown" strip that features some shops, eateries and coffee spots. The island also features wineries, an organic distillery and other popular destinations.

From Seattle's downtown waterfront, it takes only 35 minutes to arrive at Bainbridge Island. Along the way, you can enjoy all the wonderful sights that make Seattle such a unique city (the ferry ride itself is worth the journey!). The snowcapped... Read More

In Cle Elum near the Cascade Mountains, Suncadia Resort provides a delightful mountain oasis, perfect for overnight guests or those who simply want to pop in for a delicious Portals meal or a decadent treatment at Glade Spring Spa. With architecture inspired by the grand lodges of Washington's National Parks, the majestic venue shows off master craftsmanship and Northwest-tinged design elements that honor the exquisite natural surroundings. The 254 guests suites and penthouses mesh that cozy "cabin" feel with modern amenities; some perks include stainless steel European-style appliances, a deep soaking tub, private outdoor balcony and flagstone gas fireplace. The resort's location high above the Cle Elum River provides spectacular river valley and mountain panoramas. Thanks to the property's 6,000 acres of "forested mountain landscape, sun-dappled meadows and rushing rivers," not to mention all the amenities of The Village, the resort offers outdoors activities year-round.

In Cle Elum near the Cascade Mountains, Suncadia Resort provides a delightful mountain oasis, perfect for overnight guests or those who simply want to pop in for a delicious Portals meal or a decadent treatment at Glade Spring Spa. With... Read More

Well, we still don't have jet packs and flying cars, but the most iconic symbol of that 1960's space-age promise – the Space Needle – still stands as Seattle's most-recognized tourist attraction. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the forward-looking theme of which was "Century 21," the 602-foot Needle looks like a huge flying saucer on a towering tripod. At the 520-foot level, the observation deck provides panoramic views of the area's surrounding bays, lakes, mountains, and other points of interest. Just below, at 500-feet, diners enjoy a 360-degree view in the revolving Sky City restaurant. On the way up to, entertaining and comedic elevator operators rattle off fun facts and invite visitors to test their Needle knowledge.

Well, we still don't have jet packs and flying cars, but the most iconic symbol of that 1960's space-age promise – the Space Needle – still stands as Seattle's most-recognized tourist attraction. Built for the 1962 World's Fair, the... Read More

Olympic Sculpture Park: Stroll through the grounds and admire the fascinating large-scale works on display at this nine-acre green space. Extensive landscaping enhances the park's beauty, and a walkway, extending from the beach to Belltown, provides views of the Puget Sound and of downtown landmarks. Among the pieces on view along the way is "Eye Benches I, II, III" by Louise Bourgeois, a series of functional carved-granite benches that take the form of giant eyeballs. Also here is a work from the height of famed sculptor Alexander Calder's career, "The Eagle" from 1971, a huge abstract steel sculpture in bright orange. Free public tours of the park are offered, and times and topics vary by season.

Olympic Sculpture Park: Stroll through the grounds and admire the fascinating large-scale works on display at this nine-acre green space. Extensive landscaping enhances the park's beauty, and a walkway, extending from the beach to Belltown,... Read More

Meet Corinne Whiting

Corinne hails from the other Washington, where she caught the travel bug early on. Corinne studied abroad in Strasbourg, France (undergrad) and in Edinburgh, Scotland (graduate school). She's... More About Corinne